Carbapenem resistance among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary care hospital in south India

Carbapenem resistance among clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, is largely conferred by metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL). Fifty-one non repetitive isolates of carbapenem-resistant (Meropenem and Imipenem) E. coli and K. pneumoniae were studied to determine the molecular mechanism for resistance. Presence of bla(NDM) and bla(VIM) was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. bla(NDM) was detected from majority of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (75%) and E. coli (66.6%). Timely detection and appropriate and aggressive infection control measures are required to control the spread of these bacteria in healthcare settings.